The Christie downgraded by watchdog as culture criticised with 'staff not always listened to'

The Christie has been downgraded by the health watchdog after concerns were raised about its working culture.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) told The Christie NHS Foundation Trust it 'requires improvement' in safety and leadership. The watchdog launched a review into the prestigious cancer centre following whistleblowing concerns.

While inspectors rated the Withington-based hospital as 'good' overall, they criticised its culture and said staff 'did not always feel listened to'.

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The watchdog found that 'senior executives were heavily invested in the promotion and protection of the trust’s reputation', which 'impacted negatively' on some staff.

The Christie is the largest single site cancer centre in Europe and treats more than 60,000 patients a year. It was rated 'outstanding' at its last two inspections - in 2016 and 2018.

Inspectors visited the hospital in October and November of last year following concerns over the 'culture and senior leadership of the trust'. An NHS England review published last year found the trust had been 'defensive and dismissive' when staff raised concerns about a £20m research project and bullying.

During its recent inspection, the CQC said it found 'outstanding practice' at the trust, praising its research which it said had 'improved outcomes' for cancer patients. However, it said a number of improvements needed to be made.

A report from the visit said: "Very senior executives were heavily invested in the promotion and protection of the trust’s reputation. This impacted negatively on some staff; staff did not always feel supported and valued.

"A minority of staff expressed reservations about raising concerns and others